As the evening came, evident with the number of lights that started to light up the sidewalks, casting long shadows across the labyrinthine streets of Virnanis, Kaia led Fei and Sofia through the winding alleys toward her home. The narrow pathways were dimly lit by flickering torches mounted on the rough-hewn stone walls, their flames casting dancing shadows that seemed to follow the trio as they walked.
The air was heavy with the scent of metal and earth, mingling with the faint aroma of cooking fires from nearby homes. The sounds of the city echoed around them, the distant clanging of hammers from the forges, the murmurs of conversation from the residents, and the occasional scuffle of unseen creatures moving in the shadows.
